Prevalence of Brucella Antibodies in Migratory Fulani Cattle Herds in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Brucellosis is a major cause of economic losses such as abortion, infertility, low conception rate and low survival rate of neonates in the livestock industry and zoonoses of great public health significance. The prevalence of Brucella antibodies in migratory Fulani cattle in Kaduna State was determined using the Milk Ring Test (MRT), Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and Microtitre Serum Agglutination Test (MSAT). This study determined the prevalence and the sources of transmission to local livestock populations and humans. A total of 2,799 serum and 2,149 milk samples from 93 Fulani cattle herds in 15 out of 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state were tested; in addition to application of structured questionnaire on the herdsmen. The prevalence rates obtained were 1.4%, 7.1% and 1.0% for MRT, RBPT and MSAT respectively. A control programme involving improved management, animal movement restrictions and public health education is suggested.